Medical doctors with Masters Level Qualifications have been deemed ineligible to apply for the position of Vice-Chancellor at Kathmandu University (KU), following a Supreme Court decision on Sunday (Poush 28, 2081).
A group of medical professionals had filed a petition seeking to annul the eligibility criteria set by the Vice-Chancellor selection committee. However, the Supreme Court, presided over by the Chief Justice, refused to issue an interim order, allowing the selection process to proceed under the existing criteria.
"The court stated there was no valid reason to halt the process," said Dr. Subindra Karki, Chairman of the Faculty Council at KU's School of Medical Sciences. “We respect the court's decision and will continue discussions to address concerns.”
The selection criteria specify that candidates must hold a doctorate or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university. Medical professionals argued that their highest academic degrees—such as MD, MS, and MDS—should be considered equivalent to a doctorate. However, the selection committee did not include these qualifications in its provisions.
The application process for the Vice-Chancellor position closed after being open for 10 days, starting from Magh 18. The need for a new Vice-Chancellor arose as the four-year term of the current Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Bhola Thapa, is set to conclude on Magh 6.
